GENERAL NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 17654, 11 February 1916, Page 5

GENERAL NEWS

MINERS AND CONSCRIPTION. OPPOSED TO SPIRIT OP COMPULSION. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright) LONDON, February 9., The Miners’ Conference passed a resolution to the effect that it was opposed to the spirit of conscription and was determined to exercise a vigilant scrutiny of any proposed extension of the ATlIi-’ tary Service Act. It recommended districts to consider the resolution and to forward their decisions within a month. LIEUTENANT BERG. AMSTERDAM. February 9. Keceived February 10, 5.5 p.m. A Berlin wireless states that Lieut. Berg (who took the Appam to America), is aged thirty-nine. He joined the Navy as an AB. at the commencement of the war, and was promoted to Lieutenant half a year ago. When he left his wife last year he said she would not hear from him for a long time, but she was not to fear. She had not heard of him until Lieut. Berg reached the United States. RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS. DUS TO SHIPPING SHORTAGE. LONDON, February 10. Received February 10, 9.30 p.m. The business committee of the Unionists’ Party in the House of Commons privately discussed Mr Runciman’s problems arising out of the restrictions on imports. Mr Runciman indicated that the War Office and the Admiralty’s demands on shipping were so great that restriction was imperative. The deputation gave particular attention to the claims of the dominions. UNIONIST SUGGESTION. TAXATION WITH PREFERENCE TO DOMINIONS. LONDON, February 10. Received February 10, 11.25 p.m. The Unionist deputation urged Air Runciman could he not accomplish his aim by taxing imports and giving the Dominions preference. They argued that the present scheme would raise prices without giving revenue! SENSATIONAL ACCIDENT. TORPEDO ACCIDENTALLY DISCHARGED. RESULT FORTUNATELY NOT VERY . SERIOUS. 1 LONDON, February 10. Received February 10, 9.30 p.m. There was a sensational incident this afternoon when a submarine anchored in Flushing Harbour accidentally discharged a torpedo, which exploded against a pontoon on which there were a number of people, Including a party of Dutch navals. Several were wounded. The pontoon sank. One member of the submarine crew was killed. TWO OVERSEA BATTALIONS. TO RE RAISED IN LONDON. LONDON, February 10. Received February 10, 9.30 p.m. The War Office has sanctioned the raising of two overseas battalions in London, including a regiment for dominnion citizens now in Britain. The Lord Mayor has opened a fund to assist recruiting and the provision of equipment* and is appealing to the city’s overseas bankers and merchants. THE EXPLOSION AT SKODA. SOO DEATHS. TOWN PARTIALLY DESTROYED. PARIS, February’ 9. Received February 9, 10.5 p.m. Vienna information confirms the partial destruction of Skoda, in addition to the destruction of a gun workshop, and technical bureau with records and plans. The explosion was caused by a melinite bomb, and undoubtedly due to criminal bands. Over three hundred were killed and several hundreds were injured. SWEDEN'S WOOD PULP. LIMITED EXPORT AGREED TO. | LONDON, February 9. Received February 10, 9.5 p.m. A French Wireless states that Sweden permits the export of 5000 tons of wood pulp to the Allies. FREIGHT TO ITALY. THE DUnCULTY SOLVED. LONDON, February 9. Received February’ 10. 9.5 P.m. The Anglo-American freight question has been settled, and the lowering of the rates will enable Italy to obtain coal at a reasonable price.